By David C. Cramer, PhD, Managing Editor, Institute of Mennonite Studies and available here
ELKHART, Indiana (Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary) — A new book on the experiences of women as leaders in the Mennonite Church from 1972 to 2006 is the latest volume to be released by the Institute of Mennonite Studies (IMS), the research and publishing wing of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in Elkhart, Indiana.
Proclaiming the Good News: Mennonite Women’s Voices, 1972–2006 contains stories of scholars, pastors, educators, administrators and other leaders who served in Mennonite congregations, organizations and institutions in the United States and Canada. Edited by Lois Y. Barrett, PhD, of Wichita, Kansas, and Dorothy Nickel Friesen, MDiv, of North Newton, Kansas, the book also explores how attitudes and practices regarding women in church leadership changed over time — drawing on survey data from 1972, 1989 and 2006.
On Nov. 9, Barrett, who is Retired Professor of Theology and Anabaptist Studies at AMBS, and Nickel Friesen, a retired Mennonite pastor and denominational minister, joined nearly 50 students, faculty and staff at the seminary for a celebration of the release of the book. Nickel Friesen was present in person, and Barrett joined via videoconference. IMS cosponsored the celebration with the AMBS Library and Dean’s Office.
